On Feb. 20, students from Niagara College’s School of Community Services participated in an engaging, hands-on learning experience focused on inclusion, accessibility and adaptive recreation at Variety Village’s Active Living Conference.
Hosted by Niagara College and facilitated by Variety Village — an organization dedicated to empowering children and individuals with disabilities through inclusive programming — the conference welcomed students from the Recreation Therapy and Educational Assistance and Adult Supports (EA&AS) programs for an afternoon of experiential learning. The event was designed to deepen students’ understanding of inclusive sport and recreation while strengthening the practical skills they will carry into their future careers.
Students play adaptive bocce at the Active Living Conference.
Now in its third year, the Active Living Conference has become an integral part of the School of Community Services curriculum, embedded directly into coursework to enhance classroom learning through real-world application.
“This conference allows students to move beyond theory and experience inclusion in action,” said Ann Marie Raos, EA&AS professor. “By participating in adapted activities and learning from leaders in the field, they gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful planning and small modifications can create meaningful opportunities for everyone.”
For EA&AS students, the experience is connected to RECL1221 – Recreation for Inclusive Communities. The course equips students with the knowledge, skills and strategies needed to promote inclusivity through active living and recreation. Students explore how physical activity can support individuals with exceptionalities in school settings and adults in assisted living environments. Topics include accessibility considerations, adapted exercise programming, inclusive nutrition practices and wellness strategies, all aimed at helping individuals with disabilities lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Students participate in sitting volleyball, one of the adapted sports at the Active Living Conference.
For St. Catharines native and EA&AS student, Emma Riches, the Active Living Conference taught her the power of creating environments where everyone feels included and capable of participating.
“Experiencing the activities from a participant’s perspective really opened my eyes to how small changes can make a big difference,” said Riches. “As someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others, it helped me better understand how to support individuals of all abilities so they feel confident, included and successful.”
The day featured five adaptive sport and recreation activities, allowing students to experience programming from a participant’s perspective while learning how to modify activities for a range of abilities and skill levels. Activities included adapted bocce, adapted floor curling, sitting volleyball, lacrosse and a parachute tracker activity.
Throughout the afternoon, students rotated through activity stations, practicing skills at varying levels of ability and learning how small adaptations can make a significant difference in creating meaningful participation for everyone.
“Having the opportunity to participate in these activities made me more aware of how my brain was working and what I needed to do to reach the goal,” said Recreation Therapy student Darya Gohm of Port Colborne, ON. “It really got me thinking about how everyone has different needs, and how my program, and my future profession as a Recreation Therapist, can help individuals achieve their goals through recreation and leisure.”
Students also heard from leaders and advocates in inclusive recreation and sport, many of whom brought both professional expertise and lived experience. Guests included Jeannette Beauregard, Behavioural Supports Specialist with Niagara Region and a Niagara College Recreation Therapy alumna; Jessica Thieu, Coordinator of Access Ability in Action with Variety Village and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario; Steve Bialowas, Manager of Pathways to Participation Sports and Recreation with Variety Village; and Archie Allison, Director of Access and Awareness with Variety Village.
Jim and Loretta Davis from the Brock Niagara Penguins speak to students at the Active Living Conference.
Niagara College alumni Jim and Loretta Davis, athletes and coaches with the Brock Niagara Penguins, also took part in the day. They demonstrated adaptive bocce and shared insights into competitive adaptive sport, offering students a powerful, real-world example of inclusive programming in action.
“Having these incredible guests join us gave students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals and athletes who are actively working to remove barriers in sport and recreation,” said Raos. “Their insights reinforced the importance of accessibility, dignity and empowerment in building inclusive communities.”
Participation in the conference also supports students’ professional development. By the end of the Spring term, participating students will earn their Introduction to Inclusion Level 1 and Level 2 certifications (provincially recognized credentials from Variety Village) further preparing them to create inclusive environments in schools, community organizations and therapeutic recreation settings.
By engaging in adaptive activities firsthand and learning from leaders in the field, students gained not only practical tools but also a deeper appreciation for the impact of inclusive recreation. As the partnership between Niagara College and Variety Village continues to grow, the Active Living Conference stands as a strong example of how experiential learning can build empathy, confidence and career-ready skills while helping to create more inclusive communities.
